Israel Adesanya slams UFC for poor treatment of Francis Ngannou: ‘They f*cked him for a long time’

NgannouIsrael Adesanya does not believe we have seen the last of Francis Ngannou inside the Octagon. ‘The Predator’ walked away from the UFC in January after nearly two years of failed negotiations. Last month, the former heavyweight champion revealed that he had signed a ground-breaking deal with the Professional Fighters League, scoring himself a big […]

Ngannou

Israel Adesanya does not believe we have seen the last of Francis Ngannou inside the Octagon.

‘The Predator’ walked away from the UFC in January after nearly two years of failed negotiations. Last month, the former heavyweight champion revealed that he had signed a ground-breaking deal with the Professional Fighters League, scoring himself a big bag of cash and the role of chairman for the PFL’s expansion into Africa.

Following the announcement, Dana White was very critical of both Ngannou and the PFL. “Based on what I know about the deal, which is not much, it makes no sense to me,” White said at a post-fight press event. “You’re going to pay a guy not to fight for a year, and it’s already been like [14] months. He’s fought three times in the last three years.” White has also insisted on more than one occasion that Francis Ngannou will never see inside the Octagon again after the promotion courted him for months to no avail.

“We negotiated with him for years,” White said when asked if a Ngannou return was possible. “It’s over, that’s over. He’ll never be in the UFC again. … I never say never, but I’ll give you a never on that one. We tried.”

‘Stylebender’ Says We Haven’t Seen the Last of Francis Ngannou Inside the Octagon

Israel Adesanya isn’t buying it.

Appearing on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, ‘The Last Stylebender’ insisted that the story between Ngannou and the UFC is far from over and believes ‘The Predator’ will return to the Octagon one day despite White’s insistence.

“I’m proud of him because his story is very unique, even before he was in the UFC,” Adesanya said of Ngannou. “The story’s not over yet, everybody needs to chill and just watch…everyone wants to be first…this isn’t a guy that just quits. Dana’s said some stuff in the past [about women never fighting in the UFC]…look where we are now! I think he’ll do what he does and come back, and then they’ll pay him what he deserves, what he’s earned, because they f***ed him for a long time” (h/t MMA News).

There is rarely an instance where Dana White has said no to something and stuck to his guns with the exception of Paul Daley. He stayed true to his word on that subject, but Daley is no Ngannou. Should ‘The Predator’ go and make some massive waves in the PFL, it’s likely that the UFC will circle back around when it’s contract time and offer Ngannou a massive payday for the fight everyone in the world wants to see.

Francis Ngannou uncertain of fighting return this year following recent PFL move: ‘Nothing is guaranteed’

Francis Ngannou unsure of fighting return this year after PFL move nothing is guaranteedDespite multiple links with a professional boxing debut later this year before a comeback to mixed martial arts competition in 2024, former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has claimed “nothing is guaranteed” regarding his fighting future this year. Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, has been sidelined from […]

Francis Ngannou unsure of fighting return this year after PFL move nothing is guaranteed

Despite multiple links with a professional boxing debut later this year before a comeback to mixed martial arts competition in 2024, former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has claimed “nothing is guaranteed” regarding his fighting future this year.

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, has been sidelined from combat sports since January of last year, successfully unifying the division titles with a unanimous decision win over then-interim champion, Ciryl Gane.

Departing the UFC back in January of this year following the completion of his contractual obligations with the organization, Ngannou recently put pen to paper on a multi-fight deal with the PFL (Professional Fighters League).

Linked with a transition to professional boxing before the close of this annum, Ngannou has been tied to a potential fight with former WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder – as well as current gold holder, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Dillian Whyte, and Derek Chisora. 

Francis Ngannou revealed a two-fight series with Deontay Wilder was “serious”

Sharing his thoughts on Wilder’s recent appearance at PFL 4, Ngannou revealed talks of a potential two-fight series were “serious”.

“I didn’t know that he (Deontay Wilder) was supposed to be there, but that was a good come-out,” Francis Ngannou told The Schmo. “We were having a conversation earlier this year before they came out with a potential fight in December. That’s why we’re going to hold that up in order to finish his business in December. But we were serious about a two-fight deal.”

As far as a return to mixed martial arts competition next year, Ngannou described the possibility of a return as a a “definite” one, however, was unsure if he would fight this year.

“Inside the cage; definitely 2024,” Francis Ngannou explained. “Inside the ring; not quite sure yet. It’s still possible for this year, [but] nothing [is] guaranteed.” (Transcribed by MMA News)

Deontay Wilder echoes offer to take on Francis Ngannou in 2 fight deal, MMA & boxing

deontay wilderFormer WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder seems to be interested in fighting Francis Ngannou in both MMA and boxing. It has been apparent for some time now that Ngannou has been highly interested in making the switch to boxing, namely targeting big time heavyweights such as Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder. His new […]

deontay wilder

Former WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder seems to be interested in fighting Francis Ngannou in both MMA and boxing.

It has been apparent for some time now that Ngannou has been highly interested in making the switch to boxing, namely targeting big time heavyweights such as Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder. His new deal with the PFL means that ‘The Predator‘ is free to explore boxing matchups out with the promotion, but it seems that one of the big boys have come to him.

Deontay Wilder attends PFL

Last night ‘The Bronze Bomber’ attended PFL 4 in Atlanta, Georgia and his appearance did not disappoint. The often animated Wilder spoke to the broadcast team and when the formerly mentioned Ngannou matchup was brought up, Wilder said he would be interested in facing Ngannou. In fact, Wilder would go as far as to say he would be willing to step into the cage.

I thought about this many times,” Wilder began. “Even with Ngannou, we were talking about getting together. You always see the MMA guys crossing over, but you never see the boxers crossing over, so I said I’m willing to make it more interesting for the fans and just the whole combat family as in a whole. I said why don’t you come to my backyard, and after we handle business, I can come to yours and crossover and I really meant it. So things are still up in the air, but I have seen myself on this side of the field, you know. People will be very impressed on what I can do in my abilities to be here.”

Wilder would continue, doubling down on his claims that he would be willing to face Ngannou inside the PFL cage.

Aye Francis, if you listening, we discussed this before, and hey, we got many space and opportunity to discuss it once more,” Wilder said “Aye, I’m looking for a two-fight crossing over. I’m willing to just go in the octagon as well as the original plans, but you know,  the fans want to see it. I want to be a part of it. So let’s give them what they want to see.

Deontay Wilder speaks with PFL broadcast team

While an Ngannou Vs. Wilder matchup is a fun idea, the chances of it actually happening any time soon are slim. Wilder has been involved in negotiations to face Joshua for 10’s of millions of dollars later this year and its unclear, even with apparent new investors, if the PFL could match such a purse. However, should Wilder drop his next couple bout, options become slim or if any number of events take place, the matchup could take place. (H/T MMA News)

How would a two-fight series between Deontay Wilder and Francis Ngannou go?

Francis Ngannou urged to hurry boxing career: ‘Quit f*cking around and go for the f*cking payday’

Francis Ngannou urged to hurry boxing career quif f*cking around take f*cking paydayFormer undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has been urged to hurry up with his expected transition to professional boxing later this year by veteran welterweight contender, Matt Brown, as fans continue to grow impatient with the Batié native. Ngannou, a former undisputed UFC heavyweight titleholder, has been sidelined since January of last year, most […]

Francis Ngannou urged to hurry boxing career quif f*cking around take f*cking payday

Former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has been urged to hurry up with his expected transition to professional boxing later this year by veteran welterweight contender, Matt Brown, as fans continue to grow impatient with the Batié native.

Ngannou, a former undisputed UFC heavyweight titleholder, has been sidelined since January of last year, most recently headlined UFC 270, successfully unifying the promotion’s divisional titles with a unanimous decision win over then-interim gold holder, Ciryl Gane.

In January of this year, Francis Ngannou departed the organization following the completion of his UFC contract in December of last year, resulting in his removal from the official heavyweight rankings, and stripping as official division champion.

Penning a deal with the PFL (Professional Fighters League) recently to boot in a monumental agreement, Ngannou, who will compete on a pay-per-view format next year in a promotional debut with the Peter Murray-led promotion, is slated to make a transition to professional boxing first, however.

Francis Ngannou has been tipped to beat Deontay Wilder in potential future fight

Linked with a slew of fights against the likes of former champions, Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua, and current undisputed WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury – Ngannou has been urged to make a quickfire move, by the above-mentioned, Brown.

“He (Francis Ngannou) needs to go for the big payday,” Matt Brown told MMA Fighting. “It sounds like he wants to be a serious professional boxer maybe, if he’s talking about doing a warmup fight to get into it. I guess that’s a different path but now you’re taking a risk. Maybe you’re not that good. You don’t know.”

“You haven’t f*cking boxed, bro,” Brown explained. “You weren’t in the Olympics. You didn’t do an amateur career. You don’t f*cking know. When you don’t know, go for the payday. Go for the f*cking payday. What are we doing here? Quit f*cking around here. Get the payday and be done with it.”

Francis Ngannou tipped to win in fight with Deontay Wilder: ‘If there’s anybody he could beat, it’s him’

Francis Ngannou backed to beat Deontay Wilder in boxing match Tom AspinallUFC heavyweight Tom Aspinall backs Francis Ngannou to beat Deontay Wilder should they meet in the boxing ring. Since leaving the UFC and signing his monumental deal with PFL, Ngannou is not only set up financially, but also free to explore other fighting opportunities out with the promotion such as boxing. ‘The Predator’ has previously […]

Francis Ngannou backed to beat Deontay Wilder in boxing match Tom Aspinall

UFC heavyweight Tom Aspinall backs Francis Ngannou to beat Deontay Wilder should they meet in the boxing ring.

Since leaving the UFC and signing his monumental deal with PFL, Ngannou is not only set up financially, but also free to explore other fighting opportunities out with the promotion such as boxing. ‘The Predator’ has previously expressed his interest in getting a big boxing fight, and has been pursuing a fight with reigning WBC champion, Tyson Fury.

Tom Aspinall backs Francis Ngannou in fight with Deontay Wilder

While a fight against one of the big name heavyweights may be hard to pin down for Francis Ngannou, it hasn’t stopped people fantasising about how he may get on. A lot of MMA fighters who have made the switch to the squared circle have come up short, but when talking with JNMediaUK, fellow big man, Aspinall liked his chances against one of the heavyweight elites.

I would love to see him against Wilder, because it’s just two f—ing massive guys who can punch holes through walls,” Aspinall began. “It’s ridiculous. I’d love to see that. If there’s anybody he could beat, it would be Wilder,” Aspinall added. “Because Wilder is … and I don’t want to slag the guy off, because he’s one of the hardest punchers ever. But as far as actual boxing ability, his level is way lower than an Usyk or Tyson Fury or someone like that.

The guy’s punching power is off the charts, absolutely ridiculous, out of this world, “ Aspinall continued. “But I think he’s quite hittable and his fight IQ doesn’t see to be, like, great. I think if there’s any of em who [Ngannou] could beat, it would be Wilder.” (H/T MMA Mania)

Tom Aspinall talking with JN Media UK about Francis Ngannou’s boxing chances

What do you think of Tom Aspinall’s comments?

Tyson Fury continues back and forth with Francis Ngannou, believes he could land KO win after ’15 pints’

Francis NgannouHeavyweight boxing champion, Tyson Fury feels he could still knockout Francis Ngannou (17-3 MMA), even when he is 15 pints deep.  Although MMA and Boxing fans would love to see their world’s collide again, many believe it is all bark and no bite from both heavyweights who both haven’t fought for a prolonged period.  Now […]

Francis Ngannou

Heavyweight boxing champion, Tyson Fury feels he could still knockout Francis Ngannou (17-3 MMA), even when he is 15 pints deep. 

Although MMA and Boxing fans would love to see their world’s collide again, many believe it is all bark and no bite from both heavyweights who both haven’t fought for a prolonged period. 

Now with ‘The Nigeran Nightmare’ signing with the Professional Fighters League [PFL], his return to action is in sight. 

However, the 36-year-old is insisted on making his boxing debut before his beginning with the PFL. 

In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on the ‘MMA Hour’, Ngannou revealed he will not be fighting in the PFL until 2024 and eager to fulfil a lifelong ambition and enter the squared circle before the year is out

Tyson Fury says he could beat Francis Ngannou after “15 pints”

Since Ngannou confronted Fury in the squared circle after his KO win against Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium in 2022, the two fighters have been exchanging jabs on social media. 

The pair reignited their feud this past Sunday, following the news of UFC President Dana White offering to matchmake a fight between ‘The Gypsy King’ and proclaimed MMA ‘GOAT’ Jon Jones (27-1 MMA). 

Regardless of White’s attempt at louring Tyson Fury to UFC, the WBC heavyweight boxing champion has been more than flirting with the idea of dancing with Ngannou. 

Francis Ngannou rekindled their sparring war shortly after, as he uploaded a video of him hitting the speed ball, which was captioned:

Anyway… I’ll be ready @TysonFury.”

Tyson Fury couldn’t help but cheekily respond on his Instagram.

“I’ll have 15 pints [beer emojis] and still KO you big stiff tramp!

To which Ngannou jabbed back, reminding Fury that he is the one entering his world and that Fury wouldn’t dare step foot against him in a cage under MMA rules and four-ounce gloves. 

“Stop talking Tyson and come try. I’m already doing a favour using you gloves and your rules because your limited skill set.”

Although a fight between the two heavyweights wouldn’t require any alcohol for either fighter to get knocked out, it would still be a spectacle to watch.

Who would win a boxing fight after 15 pints, Tyson Fury or Francis Ngannou?